I am stuck between choosing between a BMW 320i M Sport Coupe (2007) or a BMW 320d SE (2007). From what I have read the diesels are by far a better option given they give 58.9mpg vs petrols 42.1mpg approx. Also apparently the diesels are 6 cylinder whereas the petrols are 4 cylinder, is that right? And if so what does that mean exactly? However the M Sport looks much better than the SE. The obvious thing to do would be to get a 320d M Sport however they are about £1000 more, can I really justify that outlay and will I get that back on sale.

I have also heard a lot regarding issues with the 320i engines, however isn't the 320i M Sport engine different to 320i SE engine? What exactly are the issues concerning these engines. I have read mostly about sluggish performance (is it that bad when I drove it seems okay) and coil/plug/injector problems - are these costly? And if I check that they have already been replaced can the issue still remain or arise again?

I would go for one of the Diesel's, the power in a 320D is incredible compared to the 320i. Although you will have to get the diesel's checked by a mechanic because they do have some expensive problems.

I would go for one of the Diesel's, the power in a 320D is incredible compared to the 320i. Although you will have to get the diesel's checked by a mechanic because they do have some expensive problems.

Do take in to consideration the extra service costs involved with diesels.

Such as? I have had diesel BMWs for 5 years and am not aware of any extra service costs? Except for the DPF: But in that case I'd retort "Do take in to consideration the extra service costs involved with replacing the injectors and fuel pumps every few thousand miles on the petrols".

Without wanting to start a mudslinging match, I'd say it's as broad as it's long. The diesel engine garnering a slightly higher initial purchase price due to the initial cost of the engine but also boasting better residuals meaning you'll make that money back when you sell the car.

There's no justification imho to get any petrol E9x bar the 330 if your a naturally aspirated purist: Or the 335i - which is a great car.

Thanks for your reply mate. With regards to the DPF, what kind of costs would this incur and how likely/often does this need to be seen to? Thanks

Quote:

Originally Posted by MEGA

Such as? I have had diesel BMWs for 5 years and am not aware of any extra service costs? Except for the DPF: But in that case I'd retort "Do take in to consideration the extra service costs involved with replacing the injectors and fuel pumps every few thousand miles on the petrols".

Without wanting to start a mudslinging match, I'd say it's as broad as it's long. The diesel engine garnering a slightly higher initial purchase price due to the initial cost of the engine but also boasting better residuals meaning you'll make that money back when you sell the car.

There's no justification imho to get any petrol E9x bar the 330 if your a naturally aspirated purist: Or the 335i - which is a great car.

It appears that some 320Ds built from late 2007 to early 2008 have a serious timing chain problem that is very expensive to fix: £2000 if caught before it breaks; upto £10,000 if it breaks. Be very careful. I wouldn't touch one without a very comprehensive 12 month warranty.

It appears that some 320Ds built from late 2007 to early 2008 have a serious timing chain problem that is very expensive to fix: 2000 if caught before it breaks; upto 10,000 if it breaks. Be very careful. I wouldn't touch one without a very comprehensive 12 month warranty.

Tuning potential is something you don't want to overlook. On a 320D you can get quite large increases of torque, and hp, relatively cheaply. Some drivers will find a faster car fast at first (obviously), but after a while it can feel sluggish. Then if you remap/box it it's like driving a new car again

Tuning potential is something you don't want to overlook. On a 320D you can get quite large increases of torque, and hp, relatively cheaply. Some drivers will find a faster car fast at first (obviously), but after a while it can feel sluggish. Then if you remap/box it it's like driving a new car again

And i actually prefer SE's as the ride is better.

Parallels with meeting woman in bars there. The plain one might give you a better ride, but I'd take the looker if I had the opportunity.

I'd echo a few of the comments here.
In terms of engines, the 320i has had a lot of problems and getting an older one is only going to make sure you experience them.
In terms of the 320d you really only want to consider one built from September 07. That was the start of the efficient dynamic models and is most easily identified by having auto start/stop. It has a more powerful, and cleaner engine and far better fuel consumption than the previous model.

The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is only potentially a problem if the car regularly does short journeys where the engine doesn't get up to operating temperature (or if you do many short journeys). This applies to all diesel engines with a DPF (now mandatory on new cars). Replacing it will cost in the region of £1,400. Sadly, I mainly do short journeys nowadays but, touch wood, at five years old, I have not had a problem with my DPF yet.

However, if it's OK when you buy it and you do regular decent mileage on your commute, I wouldn't bother about it.

It is believed (a certain amount of urban myth probably) that the diesel turbos can be suspect after 60,000 miles. This idea stems mainly from the previous 3 series model (the E46) which didn't seem to go past this figure with any reliability.

The ONLY real differences between the SE and the m-sport is in looks. You do get sports seats and 18" alloys as standard and you get a lowered suspension which, whilst it might look good, requires you to have a strong spine though cars after September 07 aren't quite as spine jarring as those before. The rest of the differences (amounting to £2,000 when new) are purely cosmetic and simply a matter of individual taste.

In terms of road holding and handling differences between SE and M-Sport, they are so close that it would take a skilled driver on a race track to demonstrate any differences between them - even then, the result could be affected by the amount of coffee the driver had, before going out to test them.

Anyone who says the m-sport is miles faster round the twisties is talking bullshit. The m-sport is purely about looks.

So your choices appear to be between a 320d m-sport or SE. Mind you, if fuel costs aren't an issue, you could get a 325i SE for less than a 320d m-sport.

Such as? I have had diesel BMWs for 5 years and am not aware of any extra service costs? Except for the DPF: But in that case I'd retort "Do take in to consideration the extra service costs involved with replacing the injectors and fuel pumps every few thousand miles on the petrols".

Without wanting to start a mudslinging match, I'd say it's as broad as it's long. The diesel engine garnering a slightly higher initial purchase price due to the initial cost of the engine but also boasting better residuals meaning you'll make that money back when you sell the car.

There's no justification imho to get any petrol E9x bar the 330 if your a naturally aspirated purist: Or the 335i - which is a great car.

Tuning potential is something you don't want to overlook. On a 320D you can get quite large increases of torque, and hp, relatively cheaply. Some drivers will find a faster car fast at first (obviously), but after a while it can feel sluggish. Then if you remap/box it it's like driving a new car again